Hello!
Long-time lurker, first time poster

I have the opportunity to purchase a Pioneer Elite Pro-510HD for $300, used.

I know it does 480i, 480p, and 1080i, but no mention of 720p.
is this something i should be concerned about for use with an HD broadcast or Xbox 360, both of which i thought were 720p.

i'm rather learned in flat screen technologies and computer resolutions (contrast, refresh, etc), but i always thought that if a set was capable of 1080i, then it could also do 720p. what's the truth?!? Thank you so much for reading :)

Mr Bob could answer your questions a bit better---he's pretty familiar with the Pio sets you mention, I believe. I'd suggest finding one of his posts here (Don't Dump Your CRT RPTV thread was started by Bob) and get his email from the signature link. Shoot him an email regarding this issue.

As far as 720p, I'm not sure it will display it. There are several CRT RPTV sets that will display 720p signals (that get scaled to either 540p or 1080i), including both Hitachis I've owned.

Can't speak for the 360. Doesn't it give an output option to select 720p/1080i?

However, if you get HD programming from cable/sat---it won't matter. Simply set the STB to output 1080i. STB will scale any 720p itself.

If the set is in good shape and hasn't been sitting in "torch mode" forever (contrast kept at reasonable levels), 3bills is a good price. Check for phospor burn-in. If none there, go for it!

CRT RPTVs are still the most reliable RPTV tech around. Let's face it, CRTs have been around since the advent of TV. The only real repair work you can likely expect is the possibility of convergence IC failure. Common issue with ALL brands after a while. Easy fix. Generally can cost btwn $300-$400 to get repaired by a tech. Or--if you're handy with a soldering pencil--can be DIY'ed for A LOT less.

I've got a 610pro which is basically the 58" version of the 510pro. I've had the set for 7 years and while it was good in it's day, it's definitly showing it's age now. I'm replacing mine with a Samsung HL-T6187 which is due to arrive next week. My 610pro is being "donated" to my brother-in-law for his basement. (I should have thought about charging him $300 or so too.... ;) )

The 510 will not do 720p. It will only accept 480i, 480p or 1080i. Also, if you feed it a progressive or hi-def signal, the set will lock into "full mode" meaning your source will need to be able to stretch the image to something other than full if you want it to. That shouldn't be a problem though as most devices will do that now.

One other thing to look out for is many of these set have had thier power supply boards go bad. I had to have mine re-soldered last year. Only cost me $100 though and the set's been working like a champ ever since.

All in all, it's a really good set. Looks just as good when it's off as it does when it's on ;) If you don't care about or don't need HDMI, 1080p or 720p, then go for it.

thanks so much! i've been reading up about the 360 (i don't have one yet, just got my wii), and it looks like 1080i is fine

if it doesn't work out, i could probably sell this thing for what i paid plus my shipping costs, cuz 300$ is cheap (imo)

i think i'm going to have to jump on this, cuz my 24" crt just isn't as engaging for wii sports as i'd like (with 4 players and 4 remotes, the bigger the screen the better)

once i get this bad boy set up, i will for sure post some pics :)

this of course does not mean i wouldn't like more advice! if you have more, please let me hear it!

it's coming on thursday, can't wait. what can i expect as far as convergence/calibration? I'm very tech savvy, but how difficult is this and how long should i expect it to take and whatnot, as this is my first rptv. Thanks!